Lacklustre Brakes suffer first reverse

LEAMINGTON surrendered their unbeaten start to the season with a lacklustre performance at Oxford City’s Court Place Farm Stadium, writes Paul Edwards.

A stunning late strike from Stephan Morley did little to lighten the despondency among the travelling support as the home side eased to victory.

The hosts had the first opportunity to open the scoring early on when Lee Steele pounced on a headed back-pass.

However, the veteran striker saw his low drive smothered by Tony Breeden and then headed the follow- up wide.

Leamington’s only effort on goal in the first half was a header from Liam Daly, which was easily claimed by keeper Jason Mooney.

Oxford quickly countered and the ball was moved downfield to Michael Lyon, who saw his shot blocked. The loose ball was picked up by Felipe Barcelos, who went to ground very easily under a challenge from Jamie Hood.

Referee Adam Matthews incurred the wrath of Brakes players and supporters alike as he pointed to the spot and Steele stepped up to send Breeden the wrong way and put Oxford in front.

Leamington were devoid of any ideas and invention in midfield and attack and although the defence was in the main coping with the hosts, the visitors seemed unable to get out of first gear.

They were duly punished in the 58th minute when Barcelos streaked through a static defence to shoot across Breeden to double City’s advantage.

The Brazilian could have killed the game as a contest later on but curled his shot over the bar.

Tom Berwick, who endured another frustrating afternoon with precious little service, volleyed a difficult effort wide before Ben Mackey was introduced to try and inject some life into Leamington’s forward movement.

They did pull a goal back with 12 minutes to play, and a fine one it was too.

Richard Batchelor drove into the penalty area before the ball deflected out to Morley on the left edge of the box. The left-back took a touch and crashed a curling drive into the far corner with the outside of his left boot.

Barcelos sent another effort wide as Oxford looked to restore their two-goal cushion and they looked to have a fine chance to do that when Declan Benjamin robbed Breeden as he charged from his goal to try and clear the ball.

However, the Brakes keeper refused to give up the chase and won back possession with a perfectly timed tackle inside his penalty area.

Daly powered a header over the bar as Leamington finally began to exert some pressure on their hosts, but it was too little, too late as the home side held on for a deserved victory.

Oxford City: Jason Mooney, James Clarke, Marvin Martin, Adam Learoyd, Darren Pond (Nick Stanley, 74), Wayne Blossom, Felipe Barcelos (Jimmy Deabill, 90), Declan Benjamin (Josh Green, 88), Michael Lyon, Lee Steele, Jack Ashton. Subs not used: Steve Basham, Reece Fleet.

Brakes: Tony Breeden, James Mace, Stephan Morley, Lee Downes, Jamie Hood, Liam Daly, Craig Owen, Alex Taylor (Michael Tuohy, 60), Jacob Blyth, Tom Berwick (Ben Mackey, 72), Richard Batchelor (Jamie Sheldon, 90). Subs not used: Kyle Cartwright, Dior Angus.